FED:Wright replaces Bitar as ALP secretary

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
FED:Wright replaces Bitar as ALP secretary

CANBERRA, April 19 AAP - Former Rudd government adviser and union official George Wright
has been endorsed as Labor's national secretary.

Mr Wright, currently the chief media spokesman for the National Australia Bank, was
elected unanimously in a ballot of the ALP national executive.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Mr Wright brought a wealth of experience to the job
being vacated by Karl Bitar.

"He has a proven track record as an effective campaigner, having run the Your Rights
at Work campaign in 2006 and 2007, and has a long and demonstrated commitment to the Labor
party and its values," Ms Gillard said in a statement on Tuesday.

Nick Martin will remain as assistant national secretary.

It has been reported a second person, Monash University academic Dr Sayed Khatab, also
nominated for the role but did not receive a vote.

Comment was being sought from Dr Khatab.

AAP pjo/jcd/nb

KEYWORD: LABOR

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